Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — many students enter the PhD with MAs in related social-science or interdisciplinary areas such as Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, or other cognate disciplines.

It’s an exceptional pathway for top undergraduates with a proven track record of research experience (e.g., as an RA, completing a major research paper). Admission is rare and highly competitive. If you wish to be considered, apply to the MA program and state in your Statement of Interest that you’d like to be reviewed for direct entry.

Applicants with an MA in Sociology are encouraged to apply directly to the PhD program.

Graduate applications are submitted through the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). For more information, see the sociology department admissions page or the SGS Future Student website.

You must upload official transcripts from every post-secondary institution you have attended, including one-term exchange programs. If you are a current student and do not have your final year grades, submit your most up-to-date transcript. The committee will see your current course registrations for the fall and winter terms.

Any academic paper that demonstrates analytical and theoretical reasoning — e.g., a research or term paper, MRP chapter, or quantitative/qualitative study. You may submit a condensed version if it exceeds 25 pages (the committee is not required to read beyond page 25). Applied or case-based papers from other fields are acceptable only if they engage with sociological theory or social science research methods.

Independent work is fine. You may also write a new sample on your proposed topic, but it isn't required; the goal is to showcase sociological reasoning and your ability or potential to conduct social science research.

Two academic referees, preferably instructors or research supervisors familiar with your writing and research ability. An "academic" referee is anyone engaged in scholarly research (e.g., a professor, a faculty member for whom you were an RA), not necessarily someone you took a class with. If you’ve been away from academia > 5 years, consider taking a non-degree university course to gain a fresh academic reference. Professional references are a last resort and tend to carry less weight.

It is not necessary, as faculty are automatically notified when you list them in your application. It is not discouraged, but also not expected. You may email a faculty member if your research aligns very closely with theirs, but it is optional.

Yes, if they demonstrate theoretical or empirical research ability akin to academic work. However, purely professional, applied, or marketing materials are weaker evidence for graduate study in sociology.

It is helpful but not a requirement. The admissions committee understands that it can be difficult for undergraduates to secure formal research positions. Strong performance in course-based research essays is a common and acceptable way to demonstrate your analytical abilities. Your statement of interest and letters of recommendation can also compensate for a lack of dedicated research experience.

Upload your most up-to-date transcript. The committee reviews your transcript (with particular attention to the last 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs)) and will also see your current course registrations.

No — if you completed a degree at an institution where the primary language of instruction is English, you are exempt.

Yes. You can apply to more than one program with tailored statements of interest, but you may enroll in only one if accepted.

It is optional. You can apply for a collaborative specialization (e.g., Urban Policy, Global Health) easily after you are admitted into the program.

MA: ≈CA $31,000 (for 1 year). PhD: ≈ CA $40,000 per year (for 4 years; 5 for direct entry). The package includes a University of Toronto Fellowship (stipend and tuition), TA-ships, and RA-ships. These are minimum packages you can expect. The Department may augment these through additional recruitment or merit awards.

For more information, you can view our funding information for sociology students or browse general information about SGS awards and funding.

All eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) – CA $15,000 (deadline March 1). SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships are required for PhD students to apply for (internal deadline early–mid September). Departmental top-ups and recruitment awards are added to offers in February–March.

No. External scholarships replace the TA/RA portion of your funding package, meaning you receive your funding as a fellowship without a work requirement. You may still choose to TA/RA for additional experience and income.

First round of offers are typically sent from mid February to early March; funding details appear in the offer letter.

Yes — include the institution and you must upload the official transcript from that exchange program.

No. There is no formal advantage or disadvantage for U of T undergraduates applying to the MA. All applicants are evaluated in the same competitive pool. Knowing faculty here may lead to stronger reference letters, but the application itself is judged on its merits alongside all others.

Current U of T MA students have historically been very competitive in admissions to the PhD program

SGS hosts the Graduate Centre for Academic Communication, which runs courses, workshops, and one-on-one advising sessions for building professional writing and research skills.

Course exemptions/waivers are rare. Graduate courses already taken from another program/institution would require a great deal of overlap with our courses for a waiver consideration. If you believe such extensive overlap exists, you must: 1) consult and compare the syllabus of the course already taken with the course you are taking, 2) provide a detailed written rationale for the exemption, 3) submit your request including both syllabi and your rationale to sociology.graduate@utoronto.ca where it will be evaluated in conjunction with relevant faculty teaching courses for which you are seeking an exemption.

Browse our contact page or check out SGS's most frequently asked questions.